Politics — Page 41
Elections, government, public policy, diplomacy and geopolitical action

PM Deve Gowda Warned of Infiltration and Arms Smuggling in 1996
In his 1996 Independence Day address, Prime Minister H. D. Deve Gowda alerted the nation to the threats of foreign infiltrators and arms smuggling in the Northeast. His speech, delivered from the Red Fort, emphasized democracy, social justice, economic development, and national unity.

Bihar Cabinet Approves B.Ed. Colleges Transformation into Multidisciplinary Institutions
The Bihar cabinet has approved a plan to convert 300 private B.Ed. colleges into multidisciplinary degree colleges, offering undergraduate programs in Arts, Science, and Commerce. This initiative aligns with the National Education Policy 2020 and aims to expand higher education access and increase t

Congress Urges PM Modi to Declare Assam Floods a National Problem
The Assam Pradesh Congress Committee has asked Prime Minister Narendra Modi to classify the state's ongoing flood and erosion issues as a national problem. This call comes as floodwaters recede but the death toll rises, affecting over 87,000 people.

Kovind's Memoir Details Journey From Dalit Student to President, Supports 'One Nation, One Election'
Former Indian President Ram Nath Kovind's new memoir, 'Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles,' recounts his journey from a Dalit student facing discrimination to becoming the nation's First Citizen. The book also advocates for the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal.

Parliament Monsoon Session Ends Amid Disruption and Debate Demands
India's Parliament Monsoon Session concluded with opposition demands for Home Minister Amit Shah's statement on protestor treatment. The session saw limited business and several bills passed amid disruptions.

Bengaluru Official Orders Acceleration of Ejipura Buffer Road and Flyover Projects
The Greater Bengaluru Authority Chief Commissioner has directed officials to speed up the construction of the 5.45 km Ejipura buffer road and the Ejipura flyover. The orders include measures to improve rainwater management and pedestrian/cyclist safety.

Mamata Banerjee Claims Delimitation Bill Aims to Divide India
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee stated the Union Government's Delimitation Bill intends to divide India and West Bengal for political gain. She voiced concerns that the bill could lead to the expulsion of Bengali residents and the establishment of detention camps.

Inquiry Panel Finds Charges Proved Against Justice Yashwant Varma
A three-member committee has found all charges "proved" against Justice Yashwant Varma regarding unexplained cash discovered after a fire. The inquiry's implications are complicated by Justice Varma's resignation.

Tamil Nadu Assembly Passes Resolution Against Delimitation
The Tamil Nadu assembly passed a resolution urging the Union government to freeze the number of Lok Sabha seats and implement 33% women's reservation. The state government aims to prevent a permanent reduction in parliamentary representation for southern states with controlled population growth.

Kovind's Memoir Highlights Democratic Journey and 'One Nation, One Election'
Former Indian President Ram Nath Kovind's memoir, 'Triumph of the Indian Republic: My Life, My Struggles,' details his ascent from a village boy to the nation's highest office. The book also advocates for the 'One Nation, One Election' proposal.

Karnataka Schools to Remain Open Amid Cauvery Water Dispute Bandh
Schools in Karnataka will operate normally on August 13 during a state-wide bandh called by Kannada organizations. The Associated Management of Primary and Secondary Schools withdrew its support for the shutdown but pledged moral backing.

Supreme Court Mandates Communication of GST Arrest Orders and Reasons
The Supreme Court ruled that GST authorities must communicate arrest orders and the "reasons to believe" to individuals before making an arrest. This ensures an accused's right to liberty and ability to seek legal remedies.

Karnataka Shuts Down Over Cauvery Water Dispute With Tamil Nadu
Karnataka is observing a statewide shutdown today, August 13, to protest an order directing the state to release 12,000 cusecs of water daily to Tamil Nadu. Essential services including banks, hospitals, and public transport are expected to operate normally.

West Bengal Assembly Passes Bills to Redraw Kolkata, Howrah Municipal Wards
West Bengal's Legislative Assembly has approved two bills to increase the number of municipal wards in Kolkata and Howrah. The legislation aims to enhance civic services, though concerns have been raised regarding the criteria and potential community targeting.
Ramanathapuram Police Dismantle Meth Syndicate, Seize 1.4 Kg Drugs
Ramanathapuram police have busted a methamphetamine syndicate, seizing 1.4 kg of drugs valued at ₹1.50 crore and dismantling a manufacturing lab. Nine individuals, including the alleged mastermind, have been arrested in connection with the operation.
Navarro Recounts Online Backlash After India-Russia Oil Remarks
Peter Navarro, former US trade advisor, described facing significant online backlash from India after publishing an op-ed on the nation's oil trade with Russia. He stated that President Trump and Prime Minister Modi would resolve trade differences.

India's FCRA Bill Sent to Parliamentary Committee Amid Opposition Boycott
A bill amending India's foreign contribution law was sent to a 31-member joint committee of Parliament amid significant opposition and House disruptions. The government offered a debate on student protests, which the opposition rejected.

Beant Singh Murder Convict Declines Custody Parole, Seeks Regular Parole
Jagtar Singh Hawara, convicted in the assassination of former Punjab CM Beant Singh, refused a two-day custody parole offer. He seeks regular parole to visit his ailing mother, stating he does not want police protection.
Russia Resumes Nuclear Work in Iran Amid US-Iran Tensions
Russia has redeployed nuclear specialists to Iran's Bushehr Nuclear Power Plant. This move occurs amidst ongoing tensions between the United States and Iran, with potential for further escalation impacting the project.

Karnataka Bandh Over Cauvery Water Dispute; Services to Operate Normally
Karnataka observed a 12-hour bandh on August 13, 2026, protesting an order to release Cauvery water to Tamil Nadu. Authorities assured that essential services like schools, banks, and hospitals would remain open, appealing for peace.
Kashmir Tiranga Yatra Draws Hundreds, LG Cites National Message
Hundreds participated in a Tiranga Yatra in Srinagar on August 12, 2026, marking the 150th anniversary of 'Vande Mataram'. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha stated the event sends a clear message of national unity and progress.

J&K Minister Alleges Bureaucrat's Defiance, Seeks Transfer
Jammu and Kashmir Minister Satish Sharma has formally complained to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah about a senior bureaucrat's alleged defiance and disrespect. Sharma requested the transfer of Transport Commissioner Vishesh Paul Mahajan due to the disruption of departmental administration.

Punjab CM Seeks Parole for Beant Singh Assassination Convict Hawara
Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann has requested Governor Gulab Chand Kataria to grant 10-day parole to Jagtar Singh Hawara, convicted for the 1995 assassination of former CM Beant Singh. The request is based on humanitarian grounds due to Hawara's mother's deteriorating health.

Odisha DGP Appointment Sparks Controversy Amid Legal Challenges
The selection process for Odisha's new Director General of Police is facing controversy due to legal challenges and allegations of procedural violations. A public interest litigation highlights concerns over adherence to Supreme Court guidelines for DGP appointments.